In a stunning opening to its 12-day war with Iran, Israel executed a covert, high-risk operation—code-named “Operation Narnia”—eliminating nine nuclear scientists across Tehran, while simultaneously decapitating Iran’s military command in an assault dubbed “Red Wedding.”

Assassinations and Airstrikes Launched in Tandem

At midnight on June 13, Israeli jets struck Tehran while undercover teams executed near-simultaneous hits on top Iranian scientists at their homes. The operations, years in the making, combined intelligence precision with military boldness that even Israeli planners doubted could succeed.

By morning, Iran’s air force leadership was dead, nuclear engineers were gone, and radar and missile installations were crippled.

Deception, Drones, and a Decade of Planning

Codenamed after the fictional world of C.S. Lewis, “Operation Narnia” had been in motion since the mid-1990s, culminating in years of drone smuggling, espionage, and air combat training across foreign skies. Israeli forces rehearsed precision flight formations and built networks to sabotage Iranian air defenses.

Prime Minister Netanyahu orchestrated the attack with secrecy, even delaying his son’s wedding to preserve the illusion of calm. The U.S. initially appeared focused on diplomacy but later joined the strikes on nuclear sites.

Red Wedding: A Killing Blow to Iran’s Military Elite

The “Red Wedding” operation—named after the Game of Thrones massacre—was designed to annihilate Iran’s top military brass in one blow. Israeli forces nearly aborted when Iranian air force leaders suddenly moved—but instead of scattering, they convened in one place, sealing their fate.

The success bought Israel air superiority, enabling extended strikes across Iran’s strategic facilities in the days that followed.

Despite damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, questions linger over whether the mission achieved long-term deterrence. Some U.S. and Israeli officials fear Iran may now pursue a bomb with even greater resolve.

Still, Israel’s success reshaped its regional position. With Hamas and Hezbollah severely weakened, and Syrian airspace now open after regime change, Israeli jets operated unimpeded. Talks of new peace accords are already underway.